Reticence: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate in formal or academic situations to describe a tendency to be silent or not to reveal one's thoughts or feelings readily.

• Her reticence during the meeting made it difficult to gauge her opinion
• John's natural reticence is often mistaken for disinterest

Used to describe a person who is calm, controlled, and does not show emotions or opinions openly.

• His natural reserve made it hard to get close to him
• Despite her reserve, she was very well-liked by her colleagues

Applies when someone is holding back their actions, emotions, or thoughts, often implying control or moderation.

• He spoke with restraint, carefully choosing his words
• Her restraint in the argument was admirable

Best used when someone is pausing or showing doubt before making a decision or taking an action.

• After a moment of hesitation, she accepted the job offer
• His hesitation to answer the question was obvious to everyone in the room

Utilized when someone is unwilling or not eager to do something, often involving a sense of resistance.

• She showed great reluctance to volunteer for the project
• There was a palpable reluctance in his voice when he agreed to help

This is often used to describe a person's reluctance to speak or share their thoughts, usually due to shyness or caution. It has a slightly negative or formal connotation.

• Her reticence to discuss her personal life was evident
• The manager's reticence in answering questions made the employees uneasy

This is used to describe the complete absence of sound. It can also refer to a person's choice not to speak in a particular moment.

• The silence in the room was overwhelming
• Her silence in response to the question was telling

This is best used to describe a person's tendency to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves, often in social situations. It implies a deliberate choice to be discreet.

• His reservedness made him seem distant, but he was just careful about whom he trusted
• Despite her reservedness, she was very kind and thoughtful

This is used to describe an overall lack of noise or calm atmosphere. It can refer to the environment or a person's calm demeanor.

• The quietness of the library made it a perfect place to study
• Her quietness during the meeting was noticeable

This is used to describe a person's fear or discomfort in social situations. It is often associated with a lack of confidence and can have a gentle, empathetic tone.

• His shyness made it hard for him to make new friends
• She overcame her shyness to deliver a fantastic speech